MRS. 300

As Christie Rampone closes in on 300 caps – she will be just the second player in world history to achieve that feat following former teammate Kristine Lilly – the U.S. captain reflects on a remarkable career that has been quietly distinguished by selflessness and team play.

WNTby Christie Rampone on Oct 24, 2014

I am proud to have been able to play so many games for my country but, I've never been one who likes attention. More than any number of caps, I’m proud to have been able to play so long because of the experiences I've had in the game and the fact that I've been able to keep learning along the way on this amazing journey. Since I played my first game for the National Team in 1997, I've grown tremendously as a person, as a mom, and as a player. Even approaching 300 caps, I’m still learning about the game. I’m playing for my fifth head coach and I’m glad to be able to embrace change.

People often ask me to look back over all these caps, but I’m a person who likes to look forward. You can always think back and say ‘I wish I was this fit or this confident 10 years ago,’ but you learn from those experiences and move forward; that’s part of being successful. I will say, sometimes when I have a bad game, I stop and think, ‘I have almost 300 caps, how could I have a bad game!’ That’s soccer – nothing is given, everything is earned.

My family will likely be at my 300th cap, and my oldest daughter Rylie is starting to understand what I've done in my career, although she probably has no idea what a cap is. She knows about the big events, the World Cups and the Olympics, and all the players she’s been able to hang out with and places she’s gone. Someday, I’ll try to explain to her how I've gotten to this point in my career.

I do have vivid memories of my first game. It was against Australia in Melbourne. My emotions were typical me back then: stressed and uncomfortable. You know you have the ability in you, but the stressful part is can you bring it out at the right times? That’s the biggest thing. The confidence I have now, that’s part of building yourself and becoming the player you are. In that first few years on the National Team, I definitely learned a lot through my mistakes. But that prepared me for the big stage as failure really did turn into success.

People always ask me how I've been able to play so many games. Truthfully, a lot of it is that I've been blessed with great genetics. After that, it’s all about the process. Everyone on this team works really hard, but it comes down to what you are able to overcome, both mentally and physically. You have to learn how to push your body, when to push, and of course work through good and bad days. It’s just extra special to be playing at a high level at this point in my career because of the sacrifices, the amount of hours and the days of dedication. You've really got to commit to being the best you can for the team.

I started a lot of games in my first three years on the National Team, but in 2000 I felt like I had finally earned the jersey and earned the right to be in the starting lineup. I never played for any of our Youth National Teams, so I really had to come in and keep proving myself. That’s something I’m most proud of. Every day, every year and every game, I feel like I have to keep proving myself to the coaches and players over and over again. I think that has helped me in being a leader because you’ve earned the respect over so many years and that gives you confidence.

The way I was brought up, playing a bunch of sports and always competing, I just had a good grasp of when I was playing well and when I wasn’t. I learned how to fight through adversity on my own and not look to anyone else to solve my problems. I had many coaches over many sports who taught me to take criticism as well as praise. Even when I got negative feedback, it never took away my confidence, it just made me want to fight harder. At the end of the day, I truly know how I’m playing and I’m very in tune with my state of mind. That helps in pressure situations and when things aren’t going so well.

Part of my story that people may or may not know is that I played forward my entire life until I got to the National Team. But, I feel the whole process of becoming a defender at this level actually fit my personality perfectly. I feel like I’m a giver and work well with others and those are qualities you that helped me excel as a defender, along with my God-given gifts of having some speed and tenacity and toughness.

As I look back early in my career, one of my biggest inspirations was Kristine Lilly, who was a player that always gave a complete effort every time on the field, in training or a game. I love what she represented: the competitive edge accompanied by a light-hearted spirit. She left everything on the field, she was always fit, and there were no excuses, no complaints. She just really enjoyed the process of becoming a better player and the game of soccer.

Those are some of the reasons it’s such an honor to be beside her in such an exclusive club. In looking up to her and following in her footsteps, she represents everything I wanted to be.

That said, all the players I’ve played with have all touched me, inspired me and added to my game. Each and every person I’ve crossed paths with, whether they stayed with the team for a week or 200 caps, you can only keep moving forward if you keep taking positive things from each player to help you grow as a person and on the field.

I’m not one to be in the spotlight. I want to fulfill my role to the best of my ability. That’s why I chose team sports. I’ve always know that what really matter is the team. Team comes first and that’s how a group of individuals can achieve great things. The acknowledgement of 300 caps is nice, but it’s more than just a number, it’s a representation of how much I’ve put into the game and all the players I’ve played with over the years.

I know I am toward the end of my soccer journey, but I am really looking forward to it. This World Cup could be my last major tournament so I am going to enjoy every step and be positive and focused so we can be in the right place at the right time next summer.

Looking back on my career, I’ve never taken anything for granted. I never will. Every time I put on the U.S. jersey, I will do so with tremendous pride, from cap number one to cap number 300, and for however many I am privileged to earn after that.

Chester, PA - October 24, 2014: The USWNT defeated Mexico 3-0 during the semifinals of the CONCACAF Women's Championship at PPL Park.

25 May 09: The US Women's National Team playing against The Canadian Women's National Team at BMO Field in Toronto during an international friendly soccer match.The US won 4-0.
Photo by Nick Turchiaro/isiphotos.com.

Nilla Fischer, Christie Rampone. The USWNT defeated Sweden, 3-0.

Christie Rampone
USA Women head shots.

Christie Rampone. The USWNT tied New Zealand, 1-1, at an international friendly at Crew Stadium in Columbus, OH.

during an international friendly between the national teams of the USA and Mexico at Gillette Stadium, Foxbourgh, MA, on April 14, 2007.

Christie Rampone (3) of the USWNT takes a photo with fans after the game during the game at EverBank Field in Jacksonville, Florida. The USWNT defeated Scotland, 4-1.

Christie Rampone, Fans. The USWNT held a public training at Crew Stadium in Columbus, OH.

The women's national team of the United States defeated Canada 6-0 during an international friendly at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium in Washington, D. C., on May 10, 2008.

The locker of Christie Rampone (3) of the United States (USA) prior to an international friendly against Germany (GER) at Rentschler Field in East Hartford, CT, on October 23, 2012.

The women's national team of the United States (USA) defeated the Republic of Ireland (IRL) during an international friendly at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on September 17, 2008. Photo by Howard C. Smith/isiphotos.com

Woman of the match, Christie Rampone (United States, gold). The United States defeated Norway, 1-0, in Rentschler Stadium, July 14, 2007.

Melissa Tancredi, Christie Rampone. The U.S. defeated Canada, 4-0, during the Four Nations Tournament in Guangzhou, China.

Washington, DC - October 19, 2014: The USWNT prepared for their CONCACAF Women's Championship game at Shaw Field on the campus of Georgetown University.

Christine Rampone (3) of the USWNT goes up for a header against Wang Yihang (9) of China during an international friendly at PPL Park in Chester, PA. The U.S. tied China, 1-1.

Carli Lloyd, Christie Rampone. The USWNT practice at WakeMed Soccer Park in preparation for their game with Japan.

Christie Rampone. The USWNT defeated Brazil, 4-1, at an international friendly at the Florida Citrus Bowl in Orlando, FL.

USWNT captain Christie Rampone shows she is happy with her effort during a team competition at practice for the Algarve Cup in Albufeira, Portugal.

Christie Rampone, USA vs China, 2004.

Cary, NC - August 20, 2014: The USWNT defeated Switzerland 4-1 during an international friendly at WakeMed Soccer Park.

Christie Rampone (3) of the United States (USA) is introduced prior to playing China PR (CHN). The United States (USA) women defeated China PR (CHN) 4-1 during an international friendly at PPL Park in Chester, PA, on May 27, 2012.

USA captain Christie Rampone as the teams enter the field for introductions. The U.S. defeated Finland, 4-1 during the Four Nations Tournament in Guangzhou, China on January 18, 2008.

Cary, NC - August 19, 2014: The USWNT practices before their friendly with Switzerland at WakeMed Soccer Park.

Christie Rampone. The USWNT defeated China, 1-0, during the Four Nations Tournament in Guangzhou, China. The win secured the USA's overall victory in the tournament.

Tampa, FL - June 14, 2014: The USWNT defeated France 1-0 during an international friendly at Raymond James Stadium.

United States (USA) defender Christie Rampone (3) and defender Whitney Engen (14) during warmups. The women's national team of the United States defeated the Korea Republic 5-0 during an international friendly at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, NJ, on June 20, 2013.

Oct 31, 2006: Cheonan, South Korea: USWNT player Christie Rampone (3) jumps over the tackle of Australian player Joanne Burgess (20) at Cheonan Stadium. The US defeated Australia, 2-0.

USWNT defender (3) Christie Rampone takes the ball away from Australia's (11) Lisa DeVanna during the Peace Queen Cup in Suwon, South Korea. The U.S. defeated Australia, 2-1, at the Suwon Sports Complex.

USWNT captain Christie Rampone talks with teammate Natasha Kai and Shannon Boxx while touring the Forbidden City in Beijing, China. The team will spend a few days in the capital before moving to Qinhuangdao for their first two group games of the 2008 Olympics.

USWNT captain (3) Christie Rampone goes up for a header against New Zealand forward (15) Emma Kete while playing at Wulihe Stadium. The USWNT defeated New Zealand, 4-0, during the 2008 Beijing Olympics in Shenyang, China. With the win, the USWNT won group G and advanced to the semifinals.

USA defender (3) Christie Rampone during warmups. Brazil (BRA) defeated the United States (USA) 4-0 during the FIFA Women's World Cup China 2007 at Hangzhou Dragon Stadium in Hangzhou, China, on September 27, 2007. Brazil advances to the finals, while the United States will play in the third place game on September 30th.

USWNT defender (3) Christie Rampone heads the ball away from China forward (9) Han Duan during the Four Nations Tournament in Guangzhou, China. The U.S. defeated China, 1-0, to win the tournament.

The women's national team of the United States defeated Canada 6-0 during an international friendly at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium in Washington, D. C., on May 10, 2008.

USWNT captain Christie Rampone salutes the crowd after the finals of the Peace Queen Cup. The USWNT defeated Canada, 1-0, at Suwon World Cup Stadium in Suwon, South Korea.

Christie Rampone battles for the ball during the USA vs Mexico's Group A 2008 CONCACAF Olympic Womenâs Qualifying Tournament in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, April 6, 2008.

USA defender (3) Christie Rampone collides with North Korea foward (17) Kim Yong Ae. The United States (USA) and North Korea (PRK) played to a 2-2 tie during a FIFA Women's World Cup China 2007 opening round Group B match at Chengdu Sports Center Stadium, Chengdu, China, on September 11, 2007.

USAÂ´s Christie Rampone celebrates with the trophy after the final match of the Algarve WomenÂ´s Soccer Cup 2008 at VRS Antonio Stadium, Algarve. March 12, 2008. Paulo Cordeiro/isiphotos.com

The women's national team of the USA defeated Brazil 2-0 during an international friendly at Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ, on June 23, 2007.

Christie Rampone. The USWNT defeated Brazil, 1-0, to win the gold medal during the 2008 Beijing Olympics at Workers' Stadium in Beijing, China.

during an international friendly between the national teams of the USA and Mexico at Gillette Stadium, Foxbourgh, MA, on April 14, 2007.

Christie Rampone. The USWNT defeated Brazil, 1-0, to win the gold medal during the 2008 Beijing Olympics at Workers' Stadium in Beijing, China.

Christie Rampone of the USA. The United States defeated China 1-0 during the finals of the Four Nations Tournament in Guangzhou, China on January 20, 2008.

Christie Rampone. The USWNT defeated Canada in extra time, 2-1, during the 2008 Beijing Olympics in Shanghai, China.

Christie Rampone, media. The USWNT defeated Brazil, 4-1, at an international friendly at the Florida Citrus Bowl in Orlando, FL.

USWNT captain (3) Christie Rampone is tackled by Canadian midfielder (16) Jonelle Filigno while playing at Shanghai Stadium. The US defeated Canada, 2-1, in extra time and advanced to the semifinals during the 2008 Beijing Olympics in Shanghai, China.

USAÂ´s Christie Rampone celebrates with the trophy after the final match of the Algarve WomenÂ´s Soccer Cup 2008 at VRS Antonio Stadium, Algarve. March 12, 2008. Paulo Cordeiro/isiphotos.com

Christie Rampone. The USWNT defeated Brazil, 1-0, to win the gold medal during the 2008 Beijing Olympics at Workers' Stadium in Beijing, China.

Christie Rampone. The USWNT defeated Canada in extra time, 2-1, during the 2008 Beijing Olympics in Shanghai, China.

MAR 13, 2006: Faro, Portugal: Christie Rampone

North Korea (8) Kil Son Hui and Christie Rampone (3) of the USA. The United States (USA) and North Korea (PRK) played to a 2-2 tie during a FIFA Women's World Cup China 2007 opening round Group B match at Chengdu Sports Center Stadium, Chengdu, China, on September 11, 2007.

during an international friendly between the women's national teams of the United States and Canada at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium in Washington, D. C., on May 10, 2008.

USAÂ´s Christie Rampone celebrates with the trophy after the final match of the Algarve WomenÂ´s Soccer Cup 2008 at VRS Antonio Stadium, Algarve. March 12, 2008. Paulo Cordeiro/isiphotos.com

USWNT captain Christie Rampone holds the tournament trophy after the finals of the Peace Queen Cup. The USWNT defeated Canada, 1-0, at Suwon World Cup Stadium in Suwon, South Korea.

Christie Rampone. The USWNT defeated New Zealand, 4-0, during the 2008 Beijing Olympics in Shenyang, China. With the win, the USWNT won group G and advanced to the semifinals.

USA defender (3) Christie Rampone speaks to the media during a press conference at the team hotel in Tianjin, China on September 21, 2007.

USA defender (3) Christie Rampone and North Korea (17) Kim Yong Ae. The United States (USA) and North Korea (PRK) played to a 2-2 tie during a FIFA Women's World Cup China 2007 opening round Group B match at Chengdu Sports Center Stadium, Chengdu, China, on September 11, 2007.

Christie Rampone, Karina Maruyama. Japan won the FIFA Women's World Cup on penalty kicks after tying the United States, 2-2, in extra time at FIFA Women's World Cup Stadium in Frankfurt Germany.

United States (USA) defender Christie Rampone (3) and Korea Republic (KOR) defender Shim Seoyeon (4) shake hands prior to the start of the match. The women's national team of the United States defeated the Korea Republic 5-0 during an international friendly at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, NJ, on June 20, 2013.

USWNT captain (3) Christie Rampone celebrates after playing for the gold medal at Workers' Stadium. The USWNT defeated Brazil, 1-0, during the 2008 Beijing Olympic final in Beijing, China.

USAÂ´s Christie Rampone celebrates with the trophy after the final match of the Algarve WomenÂ´s Soccer Cup 2008 at VRS Antonio Stadium, Algarve. March 12, 2008. Paulo Cordeiro/isiphotos.com

Christie Rampone, Natasha Kai. The USWNT defeated Canada in extra time, 2-1, during the 2008 Beijing Olympics in Shanghai, China.

The "Jersey Girls" United States (USA) midfielders Heather O'Reilly (9), Carli Lloyd (10), Yael Averbuch (16), goalkeeper Jill Loyden (21), defender Christie Rampone (3), and midfielder Tobin Heath (17) pose for a photo after the match. The women's national team of the United States defeated the Korea Republic 5-0 during an international friendly at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, NJ, on June 20, 2013.

Cary, NC - August 20, 2014: The USWNT defeated Switzerland 4-1 during an international friendly at WakeMed Soccer Park.

Christie Rampone, Jill Ellis. The USWNT defeated Japan, 4-2, during the semi-finals of the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China.

Christie Rampone, Maribel Dominguez. The USWNT defeated Mexico, 1-0, during the game at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, NJ.

Christie Rampone. The USWNT defeated Brazil, 1-0, to win the gold medal during the 2008 Beijing Olympics at Workers' Stadium in Beijing, China.

Christie Rampone. The USWNT defeated Canada in extra time, 2-1, during the 2008 Beijing Olympics in Shanghai, China.

MAR 11, 2006: Quarteira, Portugal: USWNT defender Christie Rampone

Raleigh, NC - August 19, 2014: USWNT headshots

USA defender (3) Christie Rampone during pre-game warmups. The United States (USA) and North Korea (PRK) played to a 2-2 tie during a FIFA Women's World Cup China 2007 opening round Group B match at Chengdu Sports Center Stadium, Chengdu, China, on September 11, 2007.

USAÂ´s Christie RamponeÂ´s child celebrates with the trophy after the final match of the Algarve WomenÂ´s Soccer Cup 2008 at VRS Antonio Stadium, Algarve. March 12, 2008. Paulo Cordeiro/isiphotos.com

USAÂ´s Christie Rampone celebrates with the trophy after the final match of the Algarve WomenÂ´s Soccer Cup 2008 at VRS Antonio Stadium, Algarve. March 12, 2008. Paulo Cordeiro/isiphotos.com

The women's national team of the United States defeated Canada 6-0 during an international friendly at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium in Washington, D. C., on May 10, 2008.

USA defender (3) Christie Rampone during pre-game warmups. The United States (USA) and North Korea (PRK) played to a 2-2 tie during a FIFA Women's World Cup China 2007 opening round Group B match at Chengdu Sports Center Stadium, Chengdu, China, on September 11, 2007.

USAÂ´s Christie Rampone celebrates with the trophy after the final match of the Algarve WomenÂ´s Soccer Cup 2008 at VRS Antonio Stadium, Algarve. March 12, 2008. Paulo Cordeiro/isiphotos.com

Tampa, FL - June 14, 2014: The USWNT defeated France 1-0 during an international friendly at Raymond James Stadium.

USWNT captain Christie Rampone and teammate Kate Markgraf wait for the medal presentation after playing for the gold medal at Workers' Stadium. The USWNT defeated Brazil, 1-0, during the 2008 Beijing Olympics women's soccer final in Beijing, China.

USWNT captain (3) Christie Rampone goes up for a header against Japanese captain (10) Homare Sawa while playing at Worker's Stadium. The USWNT defeated Japan, 4-2, during the semi-finals of the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China.

25 May 09: The US Women's National Team playing against The Canadian Women's National Team at BMO Field in Toronto during an international friendly soccer match.The US won 4-0.
Photo by Nick Turchiaro/isiphotos.com.

Washington, DC - October 20, 2014: The USWNT defeated Haiti 6-0 during the final group game of the CONCACAF Women's Championship at RFK Stadium.

USA starting eleven team prior to the USA's 3-1 win vs Mexico in Group A of the 2008 CONCACAF Olympic Womenâs Qualifying Tournament in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, April 6, 2008.

USWNT defenders Christie Rampone and Rachel Buehler go up for a header against Swedish captain (11) Victoria Svensson during the Algarve Cup final at the Estadio Algarve in Faro, Portual. The USWNT lost to Sweden on penalty kicks after it was tied in regulation at 1-1.

United States (USA) defender Christie Rampone (3) salutes the fans after the game. The women's national team of the United States defeated the Korea Republic 5-0 during an international friendly at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, NJ, on June 20, 2013.

USWNT captain (3) Christie Rampone poses with her daughter, Rylie and the tournament trophy after the finals of the Peace Queen Cup. The USWNT defeated Canada, 1-0, at Suwon World Cup Stadium in Suwon, South Korea.

USWNT captain (3) Christie Rampone celebrates after playing for the gold medal at Workers' Stadium. The USWNT defeated Brazil, 1-0, during the 2008 Beijing Olympics women's soccer final in Beijing, China.

Pia Sundhage, Christie Rampone. Japan won the FIFA Women's World Cup on penalty kicks after tying the United States, 2-2, in extra time at FIFA Women's World Cup Stadium in Frankfurt Germany.

Cary, NC - August 20, 2014: The USWNT defeated Switzerland 4-1 during an international friendly at WakeMed Soccer Park.

Christie Rampone, Christine Sinclair. The USWNT defeated Canada in extra time, 2-1, during the 2008 Beijing Olympics in Shanghai, China.

Christie Rampone. The U.S. defeated Finland, 4-1 during the Four Nations Tournament in Guangzhou, China.

Christie Rampone. The USWNT practiced at Beijing Normal University in Beijing, China. The team will now move to Qinhuangdao to prepare for their first two group games of the 2008 Olympics.

MAR 11, 2006: Quarteira, Portugal: USWNT defender Christie Rampone

USA defender (3) Christie Rampone speaks to the media during a press conference at the team hotel in Tianjin, China on September 21, 2007.

On Feb. 9, 2013, the U.S. Women’s National Team kicked off the new year with a 4-1 victory against Scotland in Jacksonville, Florida. Christen Press, then 24-years-old, was responsible for two goals that day, scoring in the 13th minute and adding another in the 32nd to give the U.S. a 2-0 lead at halftime.

The early goal was Press’ first for the USA, coming in a match that was also her first cap.

Becky Sauerbrunn hugs Christen Press in the aftermath of Press scoring on her WNT debut.

Earning that first cap is special for any player, but a debut and a goal in the same game? That’s a rare feat. In the 30+ year history of the U.S. WNT 21 players have scored in their first caps.

NOTHING TO LOSE

Press’ path to that first game three years ago was an interesting one. In early 2012, she made the decision to move to Sweden after U.S.-based Women’s Professional Soccer folded. Press thought leaving the country might negatively impact her hopeful National Team career, but little did she know, it was only just beginning.

“I think just because I always thought that the National Teams would be watching the American league, I thought that going abroad was kind of like saying goodbye to my dream of playing for the National Team,” recalled Press. “I left around this time, in February, and I thought I would not get a call, I sort of thought that I would fall out of U.S. Soccer’s radar.”

As it turns out, head coach Pia Sundhage kept tabs on players in Europe, especially in her native land of Sweden. Press got off to a hot start with her new club, and it wasn’t long before she was on her way back home.

Press returned to the U.S. and joined the WNT in Florida in April during the final stretch of what had been an intense fitness camp. She kept to herself and tried to quickly learn as much as possible despite only being there for five days.

“I had nothing to lose,” she said. “It was my first camp, it was warm and I was so happy. I don’t think I spoke to anybody. I was not nervous, I was just happy to be in Florida and my dream was coming true. I’m always quiet when I don’t know my surroundings, so I just kept to myself trying to learn the rules, how to behave; it was all so quick.”

That short stint turned out to be the only one for Press before she was named an Olympic alternate in 2012. The following February, Tom Sermanni took over as WNT head coach, and it was then Press learned she would start against Scotland. Her chance had arrived.

“I went on the field, the crowd was so much bigger than I’d ever played in front of, and for me it was so much bigger than life,” said Press. “But I kept telling myself, ‘I’m not nervous, I’m confident, I’m a good player and I believe in myself.’”

Years and multiple goals later, plus one Women’s World Cup title to her name, the dream is alive and well for Press.

Press celebrates scoring her first World Cup goal against Australia in the USA's opening match of the 2015 Women's World Cup